endemic
Definition
adjective
- (Ecology) referring to an organism that exists or originated from a specific areaExamples The isolation of the islands has led to the evolution of endemic forms. • The northern part of the island is inhabited by many endemic mammals and birds.
- (Medicine) referring to a disease that occurs within a specific areaSee also epidemic, pandemicExample This disease is endemic to Mediterranean countries.
noun
- (Medicine) an endemic disease
- (Biology) a species of organism that is confined to a particular geographical region
